International Business

Course Information

Program Overview

Today’s markets are more interdependent and global than ever before. Assumption’s international business program offers core business courses complemented by Assumption’s strong offerings in the liberal arts, which extend from languages and literature to geography, philosophy, and political science. This valuable combination helps students gain the intense business knowledge and broad-based cultural awareness they need to work effectively in various environments with colleagues of diverse backgrounds. Other opportunities like study abroad and internship opportunities make international business an exciting study option. People with second language skills can leverage these skills in their career development.

Major

Assumption’s major in international business prepares students to succeed and excel in that increasingly global marketplace by developing a broad range of knowledge. The international business curriculum includes 8 or 9 business courses, 6 specific liberal arts courses (including 1 or 2 language courses), and 3 elective liberal arts courses that enhance your cultural literacy. This interdisciplinary program provides students with solid business background in accounting, marketing, and other topics, and in-depth study of international management, business strategy, Asian business practices, modern Europe, or the study of international relations.

Minor

To earn a minor in international business, students must take 7 business courses, including 1 management course, 1 marketing course, 1 accounting course and 4 electives. An international business minor studies the conduct of business across borders and develops the ability to create value internationally and complements a variety of liberal arts studies.

Degree Requirements

Major in International Business (18 Courses)

The International Business major is designed to provide students with a particularly wide variety of learning experiences designed to prepare them to function successfully in global environments. International Business students need to understand the history, language, and practices of other cultures. Along with a strong foundation of business courses, this major draws upon the strengths of related liberal arts disciplines such as foreign language, literature, history, geography, philosophy, political science, and theology.

Area I: Business Knowledge Core (10 courses)

ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I

ACC 126 Principles of Accounting II

MGT 100 Introduction to Management

MGT 102 Introduction to Organizational

Behavior

MGT 230 Decision Analytics for Managers

MKT 101 Principles of Marketing

ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics

ECO 111 Principles of Macroeconomics

ECO 115 Statistics

ECO 325 Corporate Finance

Note: ECO115 requires students to have taken MAT114 prior to or at the same time. The course also requires successful prior completion of the one-credit CSC110 or a passing score on an Excel placement exam.

Area II: International Business Core (5 courses)

INB 306 International Marketing

INB 307 International Management

MGT 400 Business Strategy (Capstone: Seniors only)

One Foreign Language course at level 3. Language competency may also be satisfied through Advanced Placement level 4.

One from among the following courses, or two if foreign language competency is satisfied by AP credits:

INB 318 Asian Business Practices OR INB 320 European Business Practices

INB 334 International Communication:

Organizational Perspectives

BUS 330 Global Social Entrepreneurship

BUS 399 Internship in Business

BUS 444 Honors Capstone in Business

ECO 353 International Trade OR ECO 354 International Finance

Area III: Cultural Literacy Depth (3 courses)

The focus of this area is to build knowledge of other cultures. Additional courses which clearly support this learning goal will be approved by the Chair, Department of Business Studies. Some of these courses count as Global Awareness courses in the Core curriculum.

GEOGRAPHY

GEO 108 World Population Issues

GEO 222 Regional Geography of South America

GEO 251 Economic Geography

HISTORY

HIS 235 France since 1789

HIS 242 Russia since 1917

HIS 251 Latin America since 1821

HIS 265 Peace Studies

HIS 267 United States Foreign Relations Since 1776

HIS 272 Germany since 1890

HIS 282 Japan From 1868 to Present

HIS 283 Modern China: War and Revolution

HIS 291 Islamic Middle East II

HIS 306 European Primacy, 1870 to the present

HIS 310 Diplomatic History of Europe in the 20th Century

HIS 363 The Vietnam War

HIS 368 The Cold War

PHILOSOPHY

PHI 365 Late Modern Philosophy

POLITICAL SCIENCE

POL 207 Peace and War

POL 371 Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

POL 375 The Study of International Relations

ANTHROPOLOGY

ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology

THEOLOGY

THE 383 Asian Traditions

Minor in International Business (7 Courses)

Required Courses (3)

ACC 125 Principles of Accounting I

MGT 100 Introduction to Management

MKT 101 Principles of Marketing

Electives (4)

BUS 330 Global Social Entrepreneurship

INB 306 International Marketing

INB 307 International Management

MGT 311 Diversity in the Workforce

INB 334 International Communication: Organizational Perspectives

ECO 353 International Trade OR ECO 354 International Finance

INB 318 Asian Business Practices OR INB 320 European Business Practices

Faculty

In addition to their excellent teaching credentials, the business faculty have extensive experience as practitioners. This blend of the practical and scholarly results in a rich classroom environment where course concepts and theories are integrated with real-world case studies. Our teachers are also mentors and get to know students individually. Faculty advisors assist students with everything from course selection to exploring their career opportunities.

ACC 125 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING I
An introduction to accounting concepts for financial reporting. Accounting theories and principles relative to asset valuation, liability reporting, and income determination will be examined. The uses and limitations of external financial reports will be emphasized. Foley, Jones, Marino, Niece, Piwko, Skypeck/Three credits

ACC 126 PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING II
A consideration of some of the more complex areas of financial accounting and an introduction to managerial accounting and its role in the planning and control of business operations. Changes in financial position, analysis 54 of financial statements, cost accounting, and budgeting will be examined. The impact of accounting information on internal decision making will be emphasized. Prerequisite ACC125. Foley, Jones, Marino, Niece, Coleman, Piwko/Three credits

MGT 100 INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT
This course introduces a systems approach to managing organizations and focuses on the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling tasks and functions of managers. Students are given the opportunity to development key managerial skills such as self-management, team management and organizational management that support effective performance. The course includes an introduction to basic Microsoft Excel, Word, and presentation software for business communication. MGT 100 should not be taken in same semester as MKT 101. Drouart, Frkal, LeBlanc, Lewis, Pastille, O’Hara/Three credits

MGT 102 INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
This course focuses on developing an understanding of individual characteristics and interpersonal and organizational processes and how they influence organizational outcomes such as performance, creativity, citizenship behavior, stress, deviance and ethical behavior. Students will have an opportunity to develop their managerial/leadership style through experiential learning. Topics include: personality theory, learning, motivation, power and justice, conflict/negotiation skills, decision making, leadership and team dynamics, communication, and organizational culture. Prerequisite: MGT 100
Staff/Three credits

MGT 230 DECISION ANALYTICS FOR MANAGERS
In an increasingly complex world, decision analysis has a major role to play helping produce insight and promote creativity to help decision-makers make better decisions. Business analytics are becoming a critical capability for enterprises of all types, for profit or non-profit, domestic or international. Solving organizational problems requires understanding of many functional areas, including marketing and sales, human resources, accounting, operations, engineering and others. In this course students will gain knowledge of theory and practical applications of decision analysis. Using cases, students will identify pertinent information, perform analysis using key tools including analytical software, and develop effective solutions supported by data. Concepts we will explore include, decision trees, probability, risk assessments, group decision-making, resource allocation and scenario planning. Prerequisites: MGT 100, ECO 115. Staff/Three credits

MKT 101 PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING
This introductory course assesses the impact of environmental forces on the practice of marketing. Students will learn the fundamentals of the marketing mix. The course covers the following: target market identification, market research, consumer behavior, product positioning, distribution, communications (personal selling, advertising, sales promotion, and public relations), and pricing decisions. Should not be taken in same semester as MGT 100. Bailey, Blake, Daniels, DeWitt, Drouart, LeBlanc, Leonard, Lewis, O’Hara/Three credits

ECO 110 PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS
An examination of the basic theory and performance of the household, business, and government in determining the nature of the output of the economy and its distribution among the members of the society. Policy issues considered may include public control of business, labor unions, agriculture, the environment, income distribution and poverty, and international trade. ECO 110 may be taken to satisfy the Core requirement for either a second scientific or quantitative option or a social science. Prerequisite: MAT 111. (Fall, Spring) Staff/Three credits

ECO 111 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS
An analysis of the basic theory of aggregate economic activity and the application of the theory to current policy problems. Topics include national income accounting, the determinants of the level of income and employment, money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, and economic growth and stability. Prerequisite: ECO 110. (Fall, Spring) Staff/Three credits

ECO 115 STATISTICS
The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding on an introductory level of how statistical inferences are made in the face of uncertainty. The underlying role of probability is stressed. A secondary purpose is the application of various test designs to formulate research 66 questions. These designs include: t tests, analysis of variance, chi square analysis, and linear regression. (Counts as a second math course in the core curriculum) MA114 must be taken prior to or at the same time as ECO115. Prerequisite: CSC113 or CSC110 or successful completion of test-out. (Fall, Spring) Fahy, Kantarelis, Moore, Volz/Three credits

INB 306 INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
This course explores marketing across national boundaries and within foreign countries, as well as the coordination of marketing in multiple international markets. It examines plans, strategies, and tactics that are developed to cope with the problems and opportunities presented in the international arena. Specific topics will include cultural differences, marketing intelligence, foreign market entry, product policy, distribution, advertising/promotion, pricing, planning, and controlling the international marketing organization. The student will be exposed to the unique challenges and the decision-making processes that are integral to marketing on a global basis. An appreciation will be developed for the ever-changing environmental factors and risks (economic, cultural, and political/legal) that impact the international marketing field. The course will include readings, lectures, discussions, cases, reports, and presentations. Prerequisites: MGT 100, MKT 101, and Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Diodati, Drouart /Three credits

INB 307 INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
This course provides an in-depth examination of the managerial issues confronting managers as they plan, organize, staff, and control global/transnational operations. The basic premise is that management in a global environment differs in many ways from management of a firm doing business within national boundaries. Specific topics include the cultural context of international business, planning, implementation, personnel selection, labor relations, communication, motivation, control, and ethics/ social responsibility. The course includes readings, lectures, cases, experiential exercises, and discussions. Prerequisites: MGT 100, MKT 101, and Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor. Diodati, Drouart/Three credits

MGT 400 BUSINESS STRATEGY (CAPSTONE)
This course serves to integrate prior studies in management, marketing, human resources, organizational behavior, production, finance, and accounting. The primary objective is to develop the student’s ability to think strategically in analyzing industry and competitive situations facing a business in order to formulate strategic action plans. Prerequisites: Senior Management, Marketing and International Business majors and ECO 325. Capstone course: must be taken in the undergraduate college at Assumption. Drouart, Morrison, Pastille /Three credits

INB 318 ASIAN BUSINESS PRACTICES
This course examines the evolving business practices of Asian countries vis-à-vis a scrutiny of influences, such as history, geography, demography, religion, value systems, politics/legal structures, and language(s). This will provide the student with both a multicultural sensitivity and a basic set of skills for functioning in specific Asian markets. The course is grounded, but certainly not limited to, the major countries of the region: China (PRC/ROC), Japan, 51070_03_Business.indd 50 7/7/14 12:13 PM

INB 320 EUROPEAN BUSINESS PRACTICES
The course examines the evolving business practices of European countries vis-à-vis a scrutiny of influences, such as history, geography, demography, religion, value systems, political/legal structures and languages(s). This will provide the student with both a multicultural sensitivity and a basic set of skills for functioning in specific European markets. This course is grounded, but certainly not limited to, the major countries of the region: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Prerequisite: MGT 100, MKT 101, or permission of instructor. Drouart, Diodati/Three credits

INB 334 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION: ORGANIZATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
This course is an introduction to the major theories and concepts of intercultural communication as they apply to business organizations. It emphasizes a process approach to the study of written, oral and non-verbal communication between persons of different cultures as they communicate with each other, work together on teams, and conduct business negotiations. Prerequisite: MGT 100. Morrison /Three credits

BUS 330 GLOBAL SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
This course examines the role of microlending as a tool in helping the poor in developing countries obtain small loans to improve themselves, their families and communities. We will explore global poverty with a particular emphasis on its effect in the Philippines and the Congo. We will develop an in-depth understanding of micro finance concepts, theories and practice. Students will experience first-hand how to develop and implement a microlending program. Working in collaboration with Assumptionist priests, students will market the Assumption Microlending Program (AMP), raise donor funds, establish business practices, evaluate loan and regional risks, understand local and national culture where loans are being provided, apply basic accounting practices for the program, and establish monitoring and performance criteria. Throughout the course students will encounter issues related to gender, race, ethnicity, and culture, which all play a role in the establishment and effectiveness of microlending programs. Prerequisites: MGT 100, MKT 101, ACC 125. LeBlanc/Three credits

BUS 399 INTERNSHIP IN BUSINESS
This course is open to junior/senior students approved by the instructor who meet the college-wide internship standard of a minimum GPA of 2.8. It provides the interning student with a valuable experiential learning opportunity, and includes field-based training experience in either the private, industrial, not-for-profit, or governmental sectors. Students must attend weekly seminar meetings to complete regular academic assignments and process observations about the internship experience. Students complete a major paper that links theory in the field to the internship experience. Dewitt/Three credits

ECO 353 INTERNATIONAL TRADE
An examination of the theory of international trade and policies followed by governments with respect to trade of goods and services among countries. Theory examines the gains from trade under classical and modern assumptions, and the impact of various measures used by governments to either restrict or promote trade. Policy analysis focuses on U.S. trade policies and the role of the World Trade Organization. Current topics include trade and the environment, NAFTA, U.S.-China trade, and others as appropriate. Prerequisites: ECO 110 and Junior/Senior standing. (Fall) Kantarelis, McGee, Rao/Three credits

ECO 354 INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
This course covers open economy macroeconomics. Topics include: balance of payments accounting, exchange rate determination, monetary and fiscal policy, and macroeconomic modeling. After examining standard theories and models, the course will explore case studies from recent history in numerous countries. The case studies will focus on: debt and balance of payments crises, speculative currency attacks, European monetary union, International Monetary Fund policy, and the value of the U.S. dollar. Students will engage in research projects. Prerequisites: ECO 110–111 and Junior/Senior standing. (Normally once per year)
Kantarelis, Rao/Three credits

Additional courses are required in the areas of Foreign Language Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Anthropology and Theology.

Internships & Outcomes

Internships

Within the business studies department, there is a 3-credit course available to juniors or seniors titled “Internship in Business.” This seminar course provides hands-on experience and training, networking with professionals in the field, and an assessment of your personal career strengths and interests. You’ll spend a minimum of 120 hours working with professionals in the field. In this capstone seminar, students discuss organizational behavior and management concepts.

All Assumption students may also participate in the College’s internship programs and spend a semester gaining practical experience. There are two types of internships available to most Assumption students:

Enroll in an academic internship and work with an academic advisor and the internship site.

Participate in a career internship, which provides valuable experience but does not offer academic credit. This type of internship may be paid or unpaid and it generally occurs during or following the summer of the junior year.

Our students have held internships in a variety of organizations, including:

American Chamber of Commerce, Sydney Australia

Interac Co., Ltd., Tokyo

Hillview Equipment

RDW Group

Careers

International business provides students with a solid business background in accounting, marketing, and other topics, and in-depth study of international management, business strategy, Asian business practices, modern Europe, or the study of international relations. This foundation enables them to pursue an international business career in a variety of fields and locations around the globe. Assumption’s international business program is also an excellent preparation for graduate business school or law school.

Gabriela Rosa
International Business ‘17Post-Grad Plans: Operations Manager at Amazon

“My Assumption experience has prepared me well to enter the workforce. My professors have challenged me to think critically on how to solve problems. After working on various group projects, I’ve learned the importance of listening and working as a team. I’ve become a better person because of the faculty I have had the privilege of working with at Assumption. ”

“The Assumption community has enabled me to grow as a person and taught me a lot about myself. The Career Development and Internship Center staff played a pivotal role. They helped me secure an internship with Sherwin Williams after my junior year and they also provided me with a number of helpful resources during my job search.”

Our graduates find careers in:

Marketing

Management

Manufacturing

Government agencies

Foreign Service

Department of Commerce

Recent Employers:

Being a quick change artist is very important when it comes to internships, jobs, and/or careers. When I started my internship at TCS in New York City I immediately was faced with change. First of all, I had only been to NYC twice before and knew close to no one in the city. Then, when I arrived at my internship I was informed that they had gotten approval for a consultant for the same job I was assigned. This meant half or more of the work I was supposed to be doing was no longer up for grabs. They said I would instead be working with social media, communications, and branding. My major is marketing, so I accepted this and took it head-on in order to improve my skills. This ended up working in my favor since I learned so much more than just marketing a sponsorship and a sporting event!

My internship experience with the Leadership Through Service Program has taught me a great deal about program planning and development. I help students find their passions and then facilitate programs on how to be an agent for social change through our discussions and retreats. This program strives to enrich student leadership skills through service projects and community involvement.

Working at Country Junkie Nation has allowed me to execute the communication and marketing skills that I have leaned in my classes in a real world setting, and has also provided an in-depth look at an entrepreneurial setting. Working closely with the co-founders of the company allows me to bounce ideas off of them and receive immediate feedback. The open communication throughout the company has proven to be the perfect setting for advancing my skills.

The Office of Communications is the information hub for the Assumption College community; their functions include: developing press relations, interviewing guests, publishing news stories on Assumption’s website, and populating social media.

At my internship at Berry Insurance, I used blogs, email campaigns and social media to help the agency grow. Through classes I’ve taken at Assumption, such as online marketing, I became prepared to be successful not only in my internship, but in marketing overall. I’ll be pursuing my MBA at Assumption and continuing to further my preparation to enter the workforce.

Jessica Genatossio

Organizational Communication ‘17

Post-Grad Position: Account Manager at Propel Marketing

Assumption College has truly helped me to secure the position I have today. The advice and connections that the Professors in the Business department and my advisor have been able to provide me with are resources I would not have at any other school. I have been prepared not only inside the classroom, but for interviews, internships, and my career in business.

My Internship with U-Haul was a great experience. I designed and implemented a marketing plan for the spring semester and was able to build new relation­ships with students and faculty of Assumption. I feel confident in the skills Assumption has helped me develop as I enter my career in sales.

Working as an intern at AAFCPAs gave me the chance to apply the material I learned at Assumption and AAFCPAs’ audit trainings across engagements in a number of different industries. The experience taught me the basics of public accounting and reaffirmed my choice to continue into this field after graduation.

Gabriela Rosa

International Business ‘17

Post-Grad Plans: Operations Manager at Amazon

My Assumption experience has prepared me well to enter the workforce. My professors have challenged me to think critically on how to solve problems. After working on various group projects, I’ve learned the importance of listening and working as a team. I’ve become a better person because of the faculty I have had the privilege of working with at Assumption.

Jaclyn Hart

Marketing ‘19

Internship: HR Operations Intern at The Hanover Insurance Group

By participating in clubs and holding various leadership positions at Assumption, I was able to gain various skills such as leadership, time management, and teamwork. I was then able to use these skills to complete my assignments in my internship at the Hanover, while learning more about the corporate world.